Occurrence of Fungi in the Potable Water of Hospitals: A Public Health Threat

Abstract

Since the last decade, attention towards the occurrence of fungi in potable water has increased. Commensal and saprophytic microorganisms widely distributed in nature are also responsible for causing public health problems. Fungi can contaminate hospital environments, surviving and proliferating in moist and unsterile conditions. According to Italian regulations, the absence of fungi is not a mandatory parameter to define potable water, as a threshold value for the fungal occurrence has not been defined. This study evaluated the occurrence of fungi in potable water distribution systems in hospitals. The frequency of samples positive for the presence of fungi was 56.9%; among them, filamentous fungi and yeasts were isolated from 94.2% and 9.2% of the samples, respectively. The intensive care unit (87.1%) had the highest frequency of positive samples. Multivariable model (p < 0.0001), the variables of the period of the year (p < 0.0001) and type of department (p = 0.0002) were found to be statistically significant, suggesting a high distribution of filamentous fungi in the potable water of hospitals. Further studies are necessary to validate these results and identify the threshold values of fungi levels for different types of water used for various purposes to ensure the water is safe for consumption and protect public health.

Management of Microbiological Contamination of the Water Network of a Newly Built Hospital Pavilion

“…According to previous studies [ 9 , 12 ], our results revealed high microbiological contamination of the water network, probably due to the long period of inactivity before the inauguration of the new pavilion. While Gram-negative bacteria and fungi tend to adhere to biofilms at or near distal points of use [ 3 , 8 , 24 ], Legionella can also colonize deep hospital infrastructures and is responsible for nosocomial cases of legionellosis [ 10 , 25 ]. Fortunately, as reported by some Authors [ 17 ], our remediation interventions (i.e., flushing with hydrogen peroxide and silver ions for 20 min/day for one week) resulted in an overall decrease in the bacterial load.…”

“…31 of 2001 (Lgs.D.31/01) [ 1 ], are not always able to guarantee the safety of vulnerable patients [ 2 ]. Some hydrophilic microorganisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Legionella , fungi) can cause serious infections if present in the water used to wash wounds, burns, medical devices and humidifiers, with the risk of an inauspicious outcome in patients with a high risk of infection [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Preliminary Investigation on Hygienic-Sanitary Quality of Food Vending Machines

“…The most abundant fungus isolated from the internal surfaces is probably related to a more humid internal environment. Humidity is an ideal condition for fungal proliferation, largely demonstrated both in foods [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] and indoor environments [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. These data suggest the need to improve the safety of FVMs by applying proper maintenance, cleaning, and sanitization interventions.…”

Collateral consequences of agricultural fungicides on pathogenic yeasts: A One Health perspective to tackle azole resistance

“…However, Candida species have been repeatedly isolated from all types of managed soils, including agricultural, orchards and vineyards, 35 trees and other plants 33,36,37 and compost 38 . In addition, yeasts are found in surface water or sediment from aquatic environments and polluted wetlands and in hospital potable water 39‐41 . Pathogenic yeasts are also found in dwellings, as illustrated with dishwashers and laundry machines, 42,43 and on vegetables, fruits and cheese 44,45 .…”